MANCHESTER CITY smashed the British transfer record last night by completing the signing of Brazil forward Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.4million.

The 24-year-old was snatched from the hands of Chelsea - who had been
pursuing the player for around six weeks - in the final hours of the
transfer window.

The news came on the day it was announced that Abu Dhabi United Group
for Development and Investment would be taking over the club.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes told City's official website: “I am
absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to work with such an
incredible talent like Robinho.

“I have said that in order to compete with the best teams in the
Premier League we have to be in the market for players of this calibre,
and Robinho is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.”

Earlier in the day, Robinho had still looked like he might go to
Stamford Bridge, with the player calling a press conference in which he
reiterated his desire to join the Blues.

But Real blocked Chelsea's move for the Brazilian and criticised the
manner of their pursuit.

Armed with new money from the Abu Dhabi takeover, City were able to
make an audacious bid for the player, which was accepted by the Spanish
club.

Robinho, who
scored 25 goals in 101 games at the Bernabeu, has agreed a four-year
deal with the club.